Cook, Morales
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A Morisco, or Morisca, refers to a Muslim who converted to Christianity after the Reconquista but often continued to practice Islam in secret. The migration of Moriscos to New Spain (modern-day Mexico) is considered dangerous for several reasons.
Firstly, the presence of Moriscos posed a threat to the Catholic Church's efforts to maintain religious uniformity. The Moriscos represented a challenge to the hegemony of the Catholic Church since their cultural and religious practices could undermine the Church's authority in the New World. This tension was exacerbated by fears of rebellion, as Moriscos had a history of revolting against oppression in Spain, which made their migration a cause for concern among colonial authorities.
Additionally, the political climate in New Spain at the time was unstable. The Moriscos were often viewed with suspicion and hostility, as their migration was seen as a potential catalyst for unrest.
Morales critiques Khadija Rivera’s approach to understanding the Latino Muslim community on several fronts. A primary concern is Rivera's tendency to overgeneralize, treating Latino Muslims as a monolithic group and neglecting the diverse backgrounds and identities within it, highlighting the need for an intersectional analysis that considers factors like race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, which shape individual experiences.
Furthermore, Morales draws attention to the fact that Rivera frequently ignores the larger historical and sociopolitical settings that have an impact on Latino Muslim identities, particularly the consequences of Islamophobia following 9/11. In addition, Morales highlights the significance of gender dynamics, arguing that Rivera's approach might not fully capture the experiences of women, particularly those in leadership positions within groups like LALMA, as these women must negotiate complex gender intersections in contexts that are both Muslim and Latino.
I largely agree with Morales’ critiques. The call for a nuanced, intersectional approach is essential for understanding the diverse experiences of Latino Muslims. Moreover, Rivera’s framework tends to reflect a white perspective, which risks oversimplifying the unique narratives of this community. We should not approach their experiences through a white lens, as this can erase the rich histories and struggles that Latino Muslims face. However, I also see the value in Rivera’s work as it raises awareness about a community often overlooked. While her approach has limitations, I think it can serve as a starting point for deeper exploration.